The former star of the famous TV show The Comedians, who fought cancer since 1998, passed away peacefully at his home in Bradwall Road, Sandbach, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

His son Matt, 26, said: 'He was my hero. He was a wonderful father who was very loving, compassionate and generous with his time.

'He was an ordinary guy who had no wish to be ruthless in the cutthroat environment of show business. He was happy earning a crust and seeing his family healthy and happy.

'He put up a good fight against the cancer and was strong as an ox. He was loved dearly and will be sorely missed. I would like to thank everyone who has given us so much support at this time.'

Born in Liverpool in 1934, the funny-man joined the Merchant Navy in his teens and worked as a drill instructor for the RAF in the early 1950s.

He spent some time as an amateur big-band singer, before starting his comedy career with live stand-up shows in Liverpool and Manchester during the 1960s.

Towards the end of the 60s, George was spotted during a show when Granada scout Johnny Hamp and journalist Michael Parkinson were on a mission for new talent. Hamp wanted to develop the first-ever TV show dedicated to stand-up comedy.

In 1971, The Comedians was born. The show, which also starred legends like Bernard Manning, Mike Reid, Stan Boardman, Jim Bowen, Russ Abbott and Roy Walker, was a top-rated programme until 1985.

George found he had cancer in 1998 and was given chemotherapy. He kept working until just weeks ago when he did a show in Guernsey.

He and his wife Linda, who married in 1978, lived in Goostrey and Lower Withington before moving to Sandbach in 1993.

They owned a property in Spain during the 1990s and George spent time performing in theatres and doing chat shows in both countries. He was also a star among ex-pats in Australia and Hong Kong.

George leaves two other children, Nicholas, 34, and Louise, 33, and grandchildren India, four, and William, two.

Former co-star Jim Bowen said: 'George was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was a very funny man and a dream to work with.'

Irene Edwards, of Crewe, who did fundraising work with George for Christie and Leighton hospitals, said: 'He was great. He was funny all the time and told jokes on and off stage. We will all miss him'

* George Roper's funeral is at St Mary's Church, Sandbach, at 1pm on Thursday, July 10.